Camille Claudel 1915 (2013)

Winter, 1915. Confined by her family to an asylum in the South of France - where she will never sculpt again - the chronicle of Camille Claudel's reclusive life, as she waits for a visit from her brother, Paul Claudel.

Director:

Bruno Dumont

Writers:

Paul Claudel (letters), Camille Claudel (letters)

Stars:

Juliette Binoche, Jean-Luc Vincent, Jessica Errero

4 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Juliette Binoche	...	Camille Claudel
Jean-Luc Vincent	...	Paul Claudel
Jessica Errero	...	Nursing Home Resident (as Jessica Herrero)
Emmanuel Kauffman	...	Le prêtre
Armelle Leroy-Rolland	...	La jeune soeur novice
Florence Philippe	...	Soeur Florence
Eric Jacoulet	...	L'interne
Robert Leroy	...	Le médecin
Régine Gayte	...	Soeur Régine
Sandra Rivera	...	Soeur Sandra
Marion Keller	...	Mlle Blanc
Christelle Petit	...	Soeur Christelle
Nicole Faurite	...	Soeur Nicole
Daniele	...	Nursing Home Resident
Myriam Laloum	...	Nursing Home Resident

Storyline

Winter, 1915. Confined by her family to an asylum in the South of France - where she will never sculpt again - the chronicle of Camille Claudel's reclusive life, as she waits for a visit from her brother, Paul Claudel.

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Plot Keywords:

character name as title | camille claudel character | paul claudel character | france | religious institution | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The French culture magazine 'Transfuge' named Camille Claudel 1915 (2013) the No.1 film of 2013.

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Crazy Credits

Loosely inspired by the works and correspondence of Paul Claudel and correspondence of Camille Claudel.

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Soundtracks

Avec L'Ami Bidasse
lyrics by Henri Mailfait & music by Louis Bousquet
© Editions Louis Bousquet

User Reviews

Uncomfortable but gratifying watch

I wanted to leave this screening about halfway through, but not because it was a terrible film. On the contrary, it was because Dumont's impeccably observed production evokes the same sense of claustrophobia experienced by its titular character, who is yearning for release from the asylum to which she had been committed by her family.

For most of the film's duration, neither Camille nor the audience are entirely clear about why she was incarcerated, or at least, why she remains so. What little back story we are given is relayed principally by Camille herself, and in a manner that suggests more eccentricity than madness. I had not read up on Claudel prior to seeing this film, but having done so since, I absolutely endorse Dumont's rendering.

The direction is unhurried and the dialogue minimal. Long takes abound, soundtracked by repetitive noises like echoing footsteps, the crunching of gravel, and, most disconcertingly, the infantile howling of the asylum's residents. The sense of place and aesthetic is intelligently realised, and for all its oppressive qualities, this film is a beautiful thing to look at.

As Camille, Binoche shines like the genuine star she is - a genius artist playing a genius artist. The occasional closeup (and there are many) may reveal a composure running one or two shades too deep for this character, however whenever our heroine cracks, Binoche exemplifies her mastery at bridling and channeling female psychology. The other figure in the narrative equation - Camille's brother Paul - is played by Vincent in turns both tender and oblique.

Thematically, Dumont does not preach, but tantalisingly throws juxtaposition after juxtaposition before us, inviting manifold readings.

Rather than write a critical analysis here, it will suffice to say that there is much to be gleaned from this film, notwithstanding biography.

8.5/10

Details

Official Sites:

Juliette Binoche: The Art of Being - Official Fansite Official Facebook

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

13 March 2013 (France)

Also Known As:

Camille Claudel 1915

Filming Locations:

Saint-Michel de Frigolet Abbey, Tarascon, Bouches-du-Rhône, France

Box Office

Budget:

EUR3,200,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,106, 20 October 2013

Gross USA:

$35,296

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$660,355

Company Credits

Production Co:

3B Productions, Arte France Cinéma, C.R.R.A.V. Nord Pas de Calais

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1